Pastoral Care
We believe only confident, happy children can develop a genuine love of learning.
The first, and most vital, step in bringing about this transformation is rebuilding your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Many students have had negative experiences at previous schools, and we seek to reframe these associations so they can truly flourish.
The warm and supportive pastoral care at Fairley House is central to the fabric of the school so it is a place of stimulation and positivity where children can look forward to going every day. Only then can true learning begin.
Every day we strive to uncover their talents, strengths and passions, and support their future dreams and ambitions.
Pupils’ previous experiences can cast a long shadow. One junior pupil described school as ‘really fun because they [the teachers] aren’t angry…they understand how it is to be dyslexic.‘
The Good Schools Guide
Level Playing Field
Being surrounded by peers with similar learning difficulties forms a level playing field which immediately reduces anxiety related to trying to keep up with their peers.
Safe and Secure Environment
The school provides a safe, secure, supportive and nurturing environment for students. Our ethos is to be a place in which children thrive emotionally, develop academically, and ready to meet the joys and challenges of life.
It was a wonderful experience for our daughter, Sophie. Fairley House is a magical place where learning differences are celebrated, not shunned, and this environment was exactly what she needed to help her blossom.
Former Parent
Recognition
Recognition and reward are embedded in what we do with termly prize-giving ceremonies and a system of Houses and Personal House Points (PHPs) to motivate students to win badges, awards, certificates, trophies and prizes.
Classes
All students at Fairley House are placed in small classes where they go for registration and keep personal belongings. Their form tutor forges a close relationship with them and supports them with organisation and peer relationships. Students are supported by other teachers, instructors and play supervisors during break times. Any students encountering difficulties playing or interacting with others are identified and provided with support from form tutors or therapists.
Ability Grouped Lessons
Students are grouped in sets for English and Maths lessons based on their ability and are given work suited to their academic needs and skills. Teaching for all other subjects is done in tutor groups. Teaching is tailored to the learning styles of our students, with an emphasis on multisensory approaches. We find this contribute to marked increases in self-esteem and attitudes to learning.
I think Fairley House was a fantastic school…Most of all I liked great teachers!
Patrick, Former Pupil
Mentoring
While class teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of students in their class, occasionally there is a need for a personal mentor, for a child needing extra support around the school. This is typically a staff member whom a child already knows. Students will meet with their mentors on a daily, weekly or fortnightly basis to discuss issues, goals and progress.
School Diaries
Communication with parents takes place via the school diary. Staff sign them in, mark assignments and record rewards to the students in their personalised virtual diary. Termly meetings with parents provide a platform for face-to-face discussion but there is the opportunity for regular correspondence via email and telephone. Students are met at the school entrance by a senior member of staff to welcome them in every day.
Homework
We know that homework is a dreaded word in most households, particularly for children with specific learning differences likely exhausted from the school day. At Fairley House, we reduce the homework load and remove the pressure of deadlines. We simplify homework into bite-sized pieces of work, and we encourage older children showing sufficient progress to be independent and self-reliant to complete the homework set.
PSHEE and Circle time
PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education) is another platform for pastoral care. During PSHEE lessons, topics such as making and keeping friends, coping with change, healthy lifestyles and learning strategies are discussed and new skills are learnt.
Circle Time is built into PSHEE and provides a safe and structured opportunity for children to raise any issues that are concerning them, as well as better understand and learn from their peers.
Grateful to have had my son attend Fairley House. The understanding and support for my son and myself, together with the staff expertise on dyslexia, have made it possible to go from strength to strength.
Ana, Former Parent
Our School
London’s leading day school for children with specific learning differences
